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Hi guys,

Sold my B6 S4 a few months back and now looking for a nice C5 RS6.

Any advice on what to look out for?

Cheers

I'd say the main thing to look for would be faulty DRC. Usually sounds like a heavy clunking also check the dampers for leaks. Also service history would be a MUST in my book.

Also look out for gearbox slipping under acceleration. Apparently, a few problems with the ZF boxes not being able to handle the power. They are sealed units so the whole thing needs replacing. About £6k fitted by Audi. I had mine replaced under warranty.


If you're interested mine is about to be for sale. 03 saloon in Daytona Grey with half leather/cloth interior. Privacy glass from Pentagon - looks mean! Full AudiSH, fullAudi warranty until April '09.
33k miles and £22k. Clean except for few scratches on the alloys which can be fixed for £60 a corner. Central London, am about to list on Pistonheads/Autotrader.

Check the usual stuff like DRC, Gearbox and Brakes then unless your a mechanic..I would make sure I had the all component Audi Warranty. That was the 1st thing I looked for, and I sure am glad.....looks like a nice warranty claim coming up for me this week!

also check brakes for wear. the front discs and pads don't last that long (<2 years) and cost a bit to replace.

The gearbox is weak but can be repaired. Budget £1800 to £2500 from a gearbox specialist or £3700 fitted by the dealers for a full zf factory recon' box. Front pads last me about 8000 miles, £170, front discs about 12000, £420, rear discs and pads about 18000, £550. Have gone through 14 tyres in 36000 at about £180 each. Cambelt with tensioners, waterpump, thermostat etc. about £1000 every 40000 or three years. DRC? Fit aftermarket bilsteins or kw, about £1400....but the most cost effective saving you'll make in the running costs unless you have a comprehensive warranty. Expensive....but enjoyable.

^^

Front pads lasted me 24k miles
Replaced Discs and all pads at 36k miles.
A set of tyres averaged 18k miles.

Rupert wrote:^^

Front pads lasted me 24k miles
Replaced Discs and all pads at 36k miles.
A set of tyres averaged 18k miles.

has yours ever been over 30mph?

history, history, history.

Make sure you see the recepits for work and make sure it has been serviced every 9-10k no matter what.

Make sure the cambelt, gearbox oil, transfer box oil fuel filters and spark plugs have all been done at 40k (or 3 years for cambelt) A full cambelt + service + fluids and filters should have receipts for £1500+. I have looked at close to 20 recently and even audi don't do the proper cambelt service items.

Pull the oil filler cap off and make sure it is not black under the cam covers.

Put the car into paddle mode in 3rd take it to 3k and put your foot to the wot position without pushing the pedal into kick down - see if the box slips.

check for lips on the brake discs (when cold) - check for no vibrations under braking

get it checked for codes

budget for new suspension!

After you buy it, take it to a specialist that will do a full engine health check

i am sure i have forgoten other stuff!

in summary basically you need a warranty. factory warranty is now most likely not an option, so you need after-market. ensure that this covers the drivetrain in full, and the suspension (in full)...

my drivetrain and suspension is fine, but mine comes off factory warranty in 3 months, and i will go full after-market warranty.